Letters -- Published Jan. 28, 2013

On the "Sea Tiger," the ship transporting me from the European Theater of Operations in 1946, I pondered the two souvenirs I was carrying home - a German luger and an Austrian pistol.

On the "Sea Tiger," the ship transporting me from the European Theater of Operations in 1946, I pondered the two souvenirs I was carrying home - a German luger and an Austrian pistol.

I felt very uncomfortable with these weapons, which to me were meant to kill. There was a huge craps game going on below near the "hold" - I could sell these weapons for a good bit of change - but that would, to me, not change their purpose. Around midnight, at mid-voyage, I leaned over the side on the top deck and tossed them into the ocean. I experienced an overpowering warm feeling following this simple gesture. To this day, I feel that this defines me as a person who has a strong feeling for human life.

Today, as we debate the problem over weapons restrictions, how I wish that there were more citizens who shared my feelings over the use and ownership of weapons. Life is so precious, and we should do all that is possible to protect our fellow man from losing it prematurely.

I am not averse to hunting. However, I have strong feelings over so-called sportsmen who sneak up on a live animal and shoot it for the sheer pleasure of the act. I hardly think that this activity can be seriously defined as "sport."

Let us begin a strong feeling for and support of life - we need strong restrictions on the sale and ownership of weapons. We should all support our president as he works with his vice president in the development of sensible weapons restrictions.

Daniel DeSoto

Stockton

My name is Hannah Ketcherside and I am 12 years old. For the past five years, during my birthday month of December I have held a sock drive for the clients at St. Mary's Dining Room.

For five years, I have collected and donated almost 10,000 pairs of socks to those in need at St. Mary's Dining Room. Almost 4,000 pairs of socks were donated last month alone! This effort would not be possible without the support of the Stockton community. Many, many people have faithfully supported my efforts and donated socks year after year. However, this year was exceptional.

I was privileged to have extra support and publicity for my sock drive from many people. I would especially like to thank my family and friends, the staff at St. Mary's Dining Room, Linda Vasquez, Tim Biehl and the Stockton Thunder, Scott Smith at The Record, LifeStyles magazine, Junior League of San Joaquin County, Sheriff Steve Moore and Elaine Kortzeborn.

People need a helping hand and small gestures of kindness like a pair of socks anytime throughout the year, not just during the holidays. So, it's not too late! If you would like to donate socks, please contact me via email at hannahsockdrive@live.com

Hannah Ketcherside

Stockton

In response to the Jan. 14 letter, "Abortion supporters lucky to be here," I could not disagree more with the writer's pro forced birth letter.

America is not some Catholic theocracy, so Congressman Jerry McNerney doesn't have to be pro forced birth as the writer would have him. He can support a woman's right to get an abortion if she needs to. A woman who is raped should always be able to get an abortion if she doesn't want to give birth to a fetus of a rape. Would the letter writer force his wife to give birth if her life is threatened by giving birth? I would choose the life of a living woman all the time. That was the greatest Supreme Court ruling of all time in Roe vs. Wade.

Arne Aasen

Stockton

Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva should be commended on making an excellent hire, that being Sharon Simas.

As far back as the early 1960s, at Fremont Junior High School through Franklin Senior High School here, Sharon was not only one of the brightest students but was always doing good things for the school and student body. I remember her always being kind, considerate and respectful of everyone regardless of their character, color or financial status.

It's nice to know that after more than 50 years, she has not changed. Silva, I am sure, will continue to benefit from her advice and support, and so will the people of Stockton. Actually, I think she would make a great mayor. Maybe next time.

Curt Ervin

Stockton

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